Google Sets New SSL Certificate Recommendations for Websites

Google sets deadline for SSL Certificates!

WHAT EXACTLY IS AN SSL CERTIFICATE?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and is the technology now used to create an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This allows all the data passed between the web server and the browser to remain private. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is how information gets transmitted and received across the internet and HTTPS is just the secure version of it. It’s a little tricky than that, but it’s basically all you need to know. When a site has a secure SSL certificate (and is set up properly) you’ll see a little padlock up in the navigation bar, and the URL will have https:// at the start instead of just http:// without the “s”.

SSL certificates help the web cut down on instances of cybercrime that are often performed through security loopholes in web browsers.

If the connection between the surfer’s web browser and web server are not secure through an SSL connection, a moderately skilled hacker could seize information, such as credit card numbers, as it is being typed into a form on an unsecured website.

Why are Google SSL Requirements Important?

Establishes Trust and Builds Brand Power

Provides Encryption of Sensitive Information

Provides Authentication

Google does not necessarily admit that non-HTTPS encrypted sites are at a handicap in its infamous search algorithm. But it is relatively safe to assume that a security warning on a website could lead to drastic fallout.

Google is not only the largest search directory in the world, but they also have the most used web browser online.

In fact, Google Chrome is leaps and bounds more used than any other web browser, according to this month’s Stat Counter.

Google’s leading role in both search directory and browser use mean that they yield enormous power when it comes to changes such as flagging non-HTTPS sites.

Google has confirmed a date of “early July 2018” as the start date. They have also disclosed how they will alert web surfers of the non-HTTPS status, or not secure.

Sites that remain on the HTTP non-secure protocol will be flagged with a warning in the URL bar of the surfer’s browser.

The non-secure flag will be built into the release of Chrome 68, which will be ready for download in early July.

Here’s an example, as posted per Google, of difference in URL optics between HTTP and HTTPS encryption websites:

The image above represents Google’s current likely change. Google followed up this by stating that the web’s transition to HTTPS, which is also identified as “making the web safer,” by disclosing numbers supporting HTTPS growth and scale.

HTTPS encryption growth shows that most site owners are taking Google’s warnings seriously.

Non HTTPS sites and Google SEO – For site owners who have lagged on adapting their site to HTTPS encryption, time is indeed running out.

Non HTTPS sites, Google Chrome warning

To do this, it needs three different types of keys known as the public, private, and the session keys which all talk to each other to establish that secure session we all want. Here’s a quick summary:

How SSL Works?

2. Your server sends a copy of its SSL Certificate which includes the server’s public key.

3.Their browser then checks the certificate against a list of trusted ones and makes sure it’s valid and up to date, etc.

4.If the browser is happy with the certificate, it creates a one-time session key with the public key from above.

5 .Your server then decrypts the session key using its private key to allow the secure session to start.

Once that session has begun, everything that is transmitted between the browser and the secure server is encrypted, meaning that it is generally safe from people who are trying to spy on or steal that data as it gets sent through forms, carts, and so on.

SSL Cost – Free Certificates Available

Does Google sell SSL certificates? No. The easiest place to buy one is with your hosting company.

SSL certicates cost between $20 USD to $200USD / year depending on the level of security your site requires.

OSOmnimedia is offering the Installation and Management of SSL certificates on your website at a much cheaper price.

If you’d like us to queue your website for this service, or want to find out more about how this transition can help you get higher ranking and preference on Google, please don’t hesitate to contact us (082-287-4191 / info@osomnimedia.com).

Our team will help you put together the perfect plan, integrate the right tactics, and deliver the right message to maximize high-value lead generation through your web presence.